Adidas and Puma in dispute to a sole

The dispute between the two is bound by the joint development of the so-called sole “Boost” similar to the sole “NRGY” of Puma. The discussion is based on the development of a new sole for footwear for running shoes in plastic and TPU. Presumably Puma in 2009 has protected the design by registering 4 drawings and in 2011 Adidas has secured an exclusive right with BASF. But in the spring of 2011, was dissolved the cooperation with Chemical Company.

However, in 2013 Adidas has brought the shoes with soles “Boost” on the shelves of the shops, the shoes of which the design is protected. Then Puma has raised a legal action with the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt, but without success. In the spring of 2015 Puma has launched the running shoe “NRGY” on the market. Adidas has announced its intention to continue the legal proceedings. Puma uses this possibility to take market shares of Adidas in this segment.

But this time the Court dismissed the appeal. It has justified the decision to Puma because the model of soles “NRGY” has followed one independent development and therefore is not a copy of the sole Adidas despite has been developed by the same chemical company. The present decision does not therefore accepts the appeal of Adidas that loses a case against his rival in regard to a special technology of sole in sports shoes.